PUNJAB Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has announced that the Punjab Government will mark a week for Shan-e-Rehmatallil Alameen (PBUH) every year on the occasion of Eid Milad-un- Nabi (PBUH). Addressing a news conference in Lahore, he said the week would feature events like calligraphy, Naat competition, Qawwali to highlight the glory of the Last Prophet (PBUH). Buzdar also announced an initial grant of Rs500 million for ‘Reahmtul-Lil-Alameen Scholarship’ for the position-holder students as well as needy, poor and deserving students, adding this scholarship grant would be enhanced substantially in the month of Rabiul Awwal every year.
The announcement comes in the wake of blasphemous moves in some countries of the West due to lack of proper comprehension about life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). There is an understandable reaction to the sacrilegious actions in France which have sparked worldwide condemnation from Muslims. People in the Islamic world are protesting against the hate moves and demanding the UN to take notice of the trend that presents threat to global peace and amity. However, the most effective way to counter what is happening in some Western countries would be to present teachings of Islam and its Prophet (PBUH) in proper perspective. The steps approved by the Punjab Chief Minister are worth emulation by the federal and other provincial governments as such incentives would encourage research and quality writings on the life of the Holy Prophet (SAWS). The Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs used to hold international Seerat conference on the occasion of Eid Milad every year, inviting scholars from across the globe to speak on different aspects of life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). It also organized competitions of books on Seerat but the process has gone on the backburner for unknown reasons. The Prime Minister too had directed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to establish Seerat Chairs in three universities of the country but pace of implementation is wanting. The PM also speaks about the State of Madina and the model can be emulated only if we go deeper into different dimensions of life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his teachings about each and every sphere of life.
